Is it bad to say pardon my French?

This is just an inane thing that people say that means, “what I am about to say is not vulgar or profane English, it is French, so it is socially acceptable.” It don't know why people feel called upon to excuse themselves before using offense language by claiming that the curse words are French, when they certainly are ...

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Is it offensive to say pardon my French?

In a word, no. “Pardon my French” is an idiom exclusive to the English language, stemming from the two countries' own millennium-old beef—and not one of the bourguignon type. While the rapport between England and France has been a bit rosier in modern times, when it comes to getting along, historically, they do not.

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Why do people say pardon my French?

The phrase was originally used in England when someone used a French word, when speaking to someone who may not have had the social standing to understand French. Due to the vast history of conflict between the French and the English, “pardon my French” soon became a dig at the French!

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Why do Americans say Pardon my French when they swear?

The expression originates from the 19th century, and was used literally. When English people used French expressions in conversation, they would often apologise for it, presumably because many of their listeners were not familiar with the language! Example: "Excuse my French, but that guys needs a kick in the ass!"

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Do French people say pardon?

While we might say “pardon” in English if we haven't heard something correctly or if we're pretending to be fancy, in French, pardon is more commonly used to say “excuse me” if you are in a busy place or a packed metro.

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English Idiom: PARDON MY FRENCH

27 related questions found

Is it polite to say pardon?

But the thing about 'pardon' is, it is certainly polite and respectful – which is not to be underestimated.

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Is Pardon my French a phrase used to apologize?

Pardon my French, or excuse my French, is an apology for the use of profanity; the expression dates from 1895. Pardon is derived from the old French pardoner meaning, “to grant, forgive.”

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What is offensive to the French?

Refusing food or drink in someone's home. The French are big on hospitality and always welcome guests with refreshments. This is just the 'done thing', and refusing food and drink is considered a direct snub of their welcome and will almost always offend the French.

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How do you respond to Pardon my French?

You could say, "That's OK; I don't speak French." (Because some people say "Pardon my French" when they're using vulgar terms.)

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How do you politely swear in French?

Let's take a look:
  1. Putain. 'Putain' is definitely the most commonly used French swear word. ...
  2. Merde. 'Merde' is another popular curse word- perhaps not as popular as 'putain' but it is still used a lot. ...
  3. Va te faire foutre. ...
  4. Je m'en fous. ...
  5. Ta gueule. ...
  6. Salope/ Salaud. ...
  7. Bâtard/ Bâtarde. ...
  8. Niquer.

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Is Sacre bleu a swear word?

Sacrebleu is a very old fashioned French curse, which is rarely used by the French these days. An English equivalent would be “My Goodness!” or “Golly Gosh!” It was once considered very offensive.

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What does pardon my French mean urban?

The origin of this phrase (Which means excuse my use of profanity) does not originate for the French word for seal, as Lazy Time Waster suggests.

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What is an example of excuse my French?

Meaning: An apology when you swear or curse. Sometimes expressed as “Pardon my French.” Examples: Excuse my French, but these noodles taste like s&!

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Is it OK to say what instead of pardon?

"Pardon" is a classic example of trying to sound upper class when you're really not. Keep it simple and just say "what?" "I beg your pardon", however, is fine.

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Is it rude to say pardon you?

Pardon me is sometimes used to say you are sorry when you do something slightly rude, such as burp or accidentally push someone. Pardon me is also polite way of attracting someone's attention: Pardon me, does this train go to Oakland?

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What does Je suis pardon mean?

Translation of "Pardon, je suis" in English. I'm sorry. I'm. Excuse me, I'm. I'm sorry, I'm.

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How do you excuse someone in French?

How To Apologize In French
  1. Je vous prie de bien vouloir m'excuser. Very formal.
  2. Je vous présente mes excuses. Formal.
  3. Veuillez m'excuser. Quite formal.
  4. Toutes mes excuses. Colloquial.
  5. Je m'excuse. Although you may hear this, saying “je m'excuse” is not very polite. ...
  6. Je ne sais pas comment m'excuser.

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How do French people respond to thank you?

The usual response to merci is de rien (You're welcome – literally, It's nothing) or il n'y a pas de quoi. In a more formal context, you could say Je vous en prie or Je t'en prie.

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How do you use Pardon my French in a sentence?

said when you are pretending to be sorry for using a word that may be considered offensive: Pardon my French, but that's a damned shame!

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What is the curse word F in French?

Putain. The word "putain" is another popular French swear word, and it is equivalent to the English word "fuck". It is used to express anger, frustration, or even excitement, and can be very versatile.

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What four English terms are banned in France?

The French authorities are continuing with measures to "preserve and modernize" their language - and are banning English words as part of this effort. After terms "Facebook", "Twitter", and "e-mail" were outlawed earlier, "hashtag" is next in line to be banished from official French documents.

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Are French generally rude?

The reputation of French people being rude is often due to cultural differences. French people tend to be more direct and less overly cheerful in their daily interactions. Instead, they are generally more private and less prone to chit-chat and have their own rules.

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Can we say pardon instead of sorry?

Pardon is a very formal way of saying sorry. It is used to say sorry, to forgive someone for bad or wrong behavior. Examples: I beg your pardon, I didn't see your dog coming.

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How do you say sincere apologies in French?

Je suis sincèrement désolé(e) (I'm sincerely sorry). Je suis tellement désolé(e) (I'm so sorry). Je suis profondément désolé(e) (I'm deeply sorry).

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What is pardon in English to French?

Pardon me. Forgive me for interrupting. Pardon. Excusez-moi de vous interrompre.

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